Abstract

In an age of growing uncertainty, planning for worst case scenarios remains a challenging and often hidden part of an emergency responder’s work. However it is also something that Dr Lucy Easthope feels incredibly privileged and proud to be involved with.
The task of preparing a ‘mass fatalities framework’ can be a daunting one and she advises planners both in the UK and internationally on how to tackle this: “A lot of people assume that this will be a negative and depressing aspect of my work” she says “but actually it can be a rewarding process, bringing out the most collaborative side of planners and is an example of a truly multi-agency plan”.
To produce their plans, response agencies step outside their normal work to really consider the needs of families and communities in extremis, where a number of people have died and special arrangements are required - such as a transportation disaster. To plan effectively in this area responders are required to acknowledge a number of different processes, beyond the normal frameworks and consider a wide range of logistical and legislative options.